918 Santa Maria ON THE MARKET
Presented by Caroline Dugas
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P r u d e n t i a l L a n e y R e a l E s tat e
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vividly remember my first phone conversation
with Heather King as she described the beautiful white house on the hill that overlooks the sparkling blue water of the Intracoastal Waterway and in turn the green flora of Figure Eight Island. Familiar with the undisturbed beauty of the Santa Maria area, and knowing the unique topography of the neighborhood in contrast with most of Wilmington, which is very flat, I could not wait to drive down the winding private road to see the treasure that awaited me. Captivated by the description of this wonderful home with all its special features and high-end materials, I was blown away when I saw the house inside for the first time. Casual elegance personified…and the water view? Amazing! If you love trees, salt air and breezes, and experiencing all that nature has to offer, this house will make you feel at home.
CAROLINE DUGAS, Broker 910.431.0018 caroline@livingseaside.com
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BLUE CASA LUXURY HOME TOURS
Bespoke Marketing for Estate Properties
privacy & comfort Hurricane-safe, nautical-themed house awaits new owners looking for an off-the-beaten path, waterfront home that is private yet close to everything you need. Text by Cheri Dowdy
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Photography by Walt Dowdy
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magine a secluded, creek front neighborhood along
a dirt road in Wilmington, NC, with deep water boat access that opens directly into the Intracoastal Waterway. The neighborhood has no public marina to crowd the waters. No large groups leaving litter behind. Just a handful of privately owned homes who share in the tranquility of a pristine piece of nature. Such a place does exist at 918 Santa Maria. Custom built by the current owners, the nautical theme brings the beauty of the boater’s lifestyle inside the home. “Where we are on the water is so pretty, and it’s also very quiet. If you go two lots down, you don’t have deep
water access anymore. So we don’t have a lot of big boats going back and forth through here,” explains the current homeowner. The limited deep water access allows you and just a few neighbors to enjoy large boats, even during low tide. The creek quickly shallows not too far upstream, limiting large boating in and out of the area. If you are lucky enough to own one of these homes, an afternoon sitting in your backyard will afford you the pleasure of watching small jon boats, kayaks and paddle boarders easing their way along the glistening waters. Glimpsing to the left, you can see the graceful drift of sailboats on the Intracoastal. And to the right, a colorful spectacle of sun flare in pink, lavender and amber awaits you at sundown. It’s a place that will have you breathing more deeply and
Above: Views of Page’s
Creek & Figure 8 Island from your patio. Left: Enjoy breathtaking
sunsets on the water. Far Left: Page’s Creek in
the morning. Deep water access from your private dock with 12,000 lb boat lift.
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“Page’s Creek is just gorgeous. You can se Intracoastal, the south end of Figure 8, and (Wrightsville Beach).”
16 ways to enjoy the outdoors at 918 Santa Maria
ee views of the d Shell Island - Current Owners
1. Use Paddles.
Kayak up Page’s Creek or in the Intracoastal.
2. Drop Anchor. Take your boat out
and drop anchor in the Intracoastal to watch porpoises and dolphins swimming, waterfowls & other boats drifting by.
3. Beach It.
Beach your boat at Figure 8 Island or Masonboro Island for a day at the beach.
4. Leisurely Stroll.
Take a leisurely stroll around your nearly 2 acres of land.
5. Cocktail Time.
Lounge on your custom, stamped concrete patio with a cocktail while you watch the sun sparkle on the water.
6. Walking on a Country Road.
Walk to the end of the dirt road you live on and watch boats cruising on the Intracoastal.
7. Fourth of July.
Take your boat out to get the best views of the Fourth of July fireworks at Wrightsville Beach.
8. Escape the Bugs.
Eat breakfast, lunch or dinner in your screened-in porch and never worry about buggy pests.
9. Deer and Coffee. Watch a herd of
deer strolling through your yard while you drink your morning coffee.
10. Deep Seas Fishing.
Leave early in the morning and head to the Gulf Stream for a day of deep sea tuna fishing.
11. Fishing by the Dock.
Drop a fishing line off the dock and enjoy the beautiful nature that surrounds you.
12. Flounders & Crabs.
Go flounder gigging or set out crab traps.
13. Grill Out.
Grill out with your friends on your custom, stacked stone patio grill.
14. Views from the Balcony.
Take in the expansive views the third floor balcony offers.
15. Dinner by Boat. Drive your boat to Wrightsville Beach for dinner.
16. Relax in the Hammock.
Enjoy an afternoon in your hammock swing on the second floor balcony while watching the sunset.
Above: Simpore perrore
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slowing you down to a simpler pace of life. Owning 1.9 acres of private, waterfront land in Wilmington is truly a prize. Much of the acreage of 918 Santa Maria has been naturally preserved. There is an irrigation system serving the entire lot. And the landscaping is professionally maintained by Landscapes Unlimited. Most of the nearly two acres of land separates the home from the private dirt road. There is enough land for a homeowner to put in a pool and a pool house 10
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if they wanted. They could also add to the landscaping or simply leave it natural. When you walk into the house, you are immediately greeted with a warmth that just feels like home. Teak floors are used throughout the entire home to go with the nautical theme. “Teak felt more nautical than anything else. Also, we wanted a house that could be lived in, and teak is a durable wood. It can withstand getting wet. And we just recently got the floors refinished again by
Above: Galvanized aluminum roof. Both screwed and glued. left: Lush landscaping provides a peaceful retreat in the backyard. 23 foot elevation above flood zone.
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Wilmington Flooring right before we put it on the market.� In the living room, your eyes are immediately pulled upward to the lovely, cypress wood ceiling. In keeping with the nautical theme, it is shaped like the bottom of a boat. The craftsmanship in
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the design of the ceiling is something you have to see in person to fully appreciate it. Then there is the stacked-stone, wood burning fireplace with a reclaimed Indonesian teak mantle. Perfect for enjoying the nostalgic feel and smell of fresh cut wood warming you on cold winter nights. The two wooden fish accents are also made of reclaimed wood.
Above: Cypress, boat-bottom ceiling. Floor to ceiling stackedstone, wood-burning fireplace. Above Right: Custom teak floors throughout. Right: Beautiful water views from all main dwelling areas of home.
Planning to host a Super Bowl party on your big screen, an outdo board games gathered by the fire? This home is perfect for get-tog
oor barbecue on the waterfront or gethers in every season.
Adding to the beauty of the interior are water views that line the full length of the back of the living room. In fact, one of the greatest design features of this home is how it takes advantage of the water views. In so many of the other waterfront homes on the market, there are only a few privileged rooms that actually have views of the water. At 918 Santa Maria, all of the main dwelling areas of the home, including the living room, kitchen, home office and all bedrooms, enjoy water views. The eat-in kitchen opens up at the far end of the living room. Just on the other side of the dining nook, you will find your home theater and a half-bath—perfect for
Want to know what will convey with the Home Theater? (1) InFocus front projector; (2) 105 inch screen; (3) JAMO 5.1 dolby THX certified surround sound; (4) Five disk DVD player; (5) Satellite radio tuner; (6) Multi-zone interior and exterior sound.
when guests are over. The dining area also provides easy access to the screened-in porch and patio. So whether you are planning to host a Super Bowl party on your big screen, an outdoor barbecue on the waterfront or board games gathered by the fire, this home was designed to be the perfect spot for gettogethers. The first floor master suite boasts a spacious walk-in closet with built-in shelving, full bath with spa-tub, oversized walk-in shower with body sprayers & dual shower heads and backyard patio access. The second floor bedrooms share a full bath and both open up to a balcony with a double-seater hammock swing. Climb the teak boat ladder staircase up to the third floor crow’s nest, and you will find a quiet hideaway perfect for an afternoon book. Then step out to the third floor balcony boasting the best sunset views. “Page’s Creek is just gorgeous. Whether you are on the bottom floor or the second level or up on the top floor, you can see
views of the Intracoastal, the south end of Figure 8, and Shell Island (Wrightsville Beach).” Both upstairs balconies are made of epay (ipe) wood commonly known as the strongest hardwood. The three bay garage has one oversized stall for accommodating your boat when it’s not out on the water by the dock. The large room over the garage has a full bath of its own and walk-in closet that provides access to attic storage. The 572 sf. room is completely finished and can be used for almost anything you could dream up, whether it be a private space for guests who are staying over a few nights, a game room or for the highly-desired ‘man-cave’. Back down on the first level, right at the front entrance, is the home office with custom made cherry cabinetry and double door access to the patio. In the winter, the home office enjoys the warmth of a propane heated fireplace that is positioned to allow the heat from the fire to rise up the staircase and help warm the upstairs bedrooms. The propane fireplace is connected to the central propane
left: Screened-in porch
with built in surround sound. Right: 3 bay garage with
oversized boat stall. 572 sf. bonus room over garage. Below right: Stamped
concrete patio spans entire length of back of house.
system of the house. The property has two large propane tanks that hold up to 850 gallons of propane. The propane tanks are owned outright and are buried underground for safety. As for safety features, this home has you covered. Built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane, the 15-inch thick walls are constructed of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) and then covered with brick. Not only are the ICFs a safety feature, but they also help to cut energy costs 24
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by providing exceptional insulation against extreme weather in summer and winter months. Additionally, the property has a professional grade generator that can run the entire house and boat ramp for up to two weeks in the event of an emergency power outage. The stamped concrete patio, spanning the entire length of the back of the house, is separated into multiple seating areas making it extremely useful for large gatherings. And the built-in grill is connected
to the central propane system. Just a short distance from the patio is your own private dock with deep water access and a 12,000lb boat lift. Wild Live Oaks were preserved in the backyard and along the bank of the creek to provide even more privacy and to help protect against soil erosion. Page’s Creek provides the perfect venue for enjoying the waterfront lifestyle. Sit on the patio with a drink in hand. Drop a line off the dock for fishing. Set out crab traps. Go flounder gigging at night. Paddle out in your kayak. Take your boat out to the Intracoastal to drop anchor and enjoy an afternoon afloat while you watch the other boats go by. Head a little further out and beach your boat at Figure 8 Island or Masonboro Island for a day of picnicking and playing in the sand. And for the most adventurous of heart, leave in the wee hours of the morning for the Gulf Stream to do some deep sea tuna fishing.
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“The biggest advantage, I think, in the property is the tranquility. The house sits so far back off the road that you get so much more privacy. Many of the homes here are summer homes. So, it’s very quiet and peaceful out here. You can do whatever you want.” 918 Santa Maria is a unique gem in Wilmington. It’s rare to find a waterfront home on the market that offers so much land, no HOA assessments, a beautifully planned home, easy boat access to the Intracoastal, Figure 8, Wrightsville Beach & Masonboro Island and is still less than a 5 minute drive to town for all of your shopping needs. “You can enjoy serenity here because it’s so quiet. But yet, you can drive three minutes down the road and be at the grocery store right in town. There just aren’t that many places like this where you can have this peace, but yet be so close to everything that you need.” n
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5 1. 12,00Ib boat lift at end of dock. Builtin kayak rack to the left of dock. 2. Patio seating area just outside screened-in porch. 3. Custom, stacked-stone propane grill and bar. 4. Benefit from the therapy of relaxing water views from the comfort of your own backyard. 5. Enjoy beautiful sunsets over dinner outside. 6. Balconies from second floor bedrooms and third floor crow’s nest.
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918 Santa Maria Floorplan
W
ant to learn more about this amazing property?
Explore the lists below to learn more about what makes 918 Santa Maria a truly unique and remarkable home.
5 Safety Secrets you may not know about 918 Santa Maria: 1) Steel Reinforced Walls. Underneath the white masonry, all the exterior walls and some interior walls are built with insulated construction forms filled with 6 inches of steel reinforced concrete (R40 value). Some walls are 15 inches thick!
2) Above the Flood Zone. The house sits on a high bluff - 23 feet above flood zone. 3) Professionalgrade Generator. The house has a professional-grade generator (same as used by cell phone towers). 4) Two Massive
Propane Tanks. There are two massive propane tanks buried underground that hold up to 850 gallons of propane. Enough to power the generator to run the entire household and boat lift for two whole weeks in the event of an emergency power outage.
5) Fire Resistant Roof. Galvanized aluminum roof, screwed and glued for maximum durability, is fire & spark resistant, hail resistant and wind resistant.
This home was constructed to withstand a Category 5 Hurricane!
6 Not-So Glamorous features that will make your life easier: 1) Secret Project in Garage. Nature calls in the middle of your latest garage project? Don’t worry. You’ve got a urinal in the garage. So, take that pitstop and keep on rolling. 2) Get Dirty. With your mud sink, slate
tile floor and built in cabinets in the laundry room. Clean-up just got easier. 3) Sand Belongs on the Beach - NOT on the Hardwoods. Exterior shower means you never have to sweep up sand again.
4) Water Hose Not Needed. Sit back. Enjoy the breeze. Let your Irrigation System on entire 1.9 acres do the work. 5) Rotting Cedar Shake is a Pain. Roof and brick exterior means long lasting, low maintenance.
6) Dirty Underthe-House Jobs? Not here. Poured concrete slab storage beneath house. Fully conditioned crawlspace with full ground coverage moisture barrier.
6 Little Known Facts about Epay (Ipe) wood decks: 1) Super Strong. Epay is commonly known as the strongest hardwood. 2) Termite Resistant. It was given the highest rating for termite resistance based on
15 years in ground without a termite attack. 3) Slip Resistant. Surpasses the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for slip resistance.
4) Fire Resistant. Highest rating from the National Fire Protection Code. 5) Splinter Resistant. In case it has been a while, splinters hurt.
6) Extremely Durable. Can last more than 40 years without protective treatments and 100 years with protective treatments. [Source: epaywoods.com]
Energy Saving Features: 1. Insulated Concrete Forms provide added insulation against extreme weather in summer and winter. Result: Reduces your energy bill. 2. Galvanized aluminum roof can reflect as much as 70% of the sun, reducing solar gains by up to 34% (according to studies by the Florida Solar Commission). Result: reduces your energy bill. 3. A galvanized aluminum roof goes through a special process that applies a zinc barrier which protects it from the elements. The result is a roof that can last you 50 years or longer. With asphalt roofs needing to be replaced every 10-20 years, your galvanized aluminum roof will last more than twice as long with almost zero maintenance (according to Builder’s Web Resource). Result: you save time and money. 4. Propane fireplace in the home office was intentionally positioned in such a way to allow the hot air to rise to the second floor bedrooms providing them with added warmth and reducing your need to heat those areas in the winter. Result: lower energy bill.
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About the Living Seaside Team The Living Seaside Team was created in 2005 by Caroline Dugas in the Prudential office at Wrightsville Beach and has been selling real estate with a different twist ever since. Entering the business in a time of market frenzy, they learned fast how to survive and thrive. Caroline sold over $4 Million dollars in her first year in real estate with over $13 Million dollars in listings including two New Home Communities at the beach. Caroline and her team realized that creating relationships with builders and other key agents was very important and it really paid off. They were awarded the Prudential Honor Society Award, the Wrightsville Beach Rising Star Award, and Caroline was named Rookie of the Year at Prudential Carolina Real Estate in 2006. Each year since they have been blessed with great clients and great sales numbers and have taken away an amazing education in the art of Real Estate Sales and negotiation, always tweaking their
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business to match the happenings of the market to ensure the team’s success. They definitely work off of a different model than most real estate agents have. Their philosophy is that when they take a listing a unique partnership is created between the seller and the agents and that each partner has a job to do to get the house sold. One cannot work without the other. The agents give advice about how best to present the property against its competition, and the agents will actually stage the house in many cases if it needs it. Once presented beautifully by the seller, the agents will customize the right marketing plan for the home and present the home beautifully to the public and to the other agents. It is a win-win situation for the sellers and the agents and has a great success rate. When properly priced and beautifully presented, houses do sell-- even in a tough market.
910.431.0018
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c a r ol i n e @ l i v i ng se asi de . c o m
Some properties are too unique to be marketed like every other home on the market.
BLUE CASA LUXURY HOME TOURS
Fo r mo re i n fo r ma t io n vi s i t b l u e c asa l uxu r y h o met o u rs. c o m o r c a l l 919. 745. 8625